Pain Management for Older Adults

It seems a bit strange and maybe even somewhat cruel, that in this day and age pain and the need for pain management for older adults is such a big factor in the lives of so many people.

With all the advances that have been made especially in science and medicine, it would be kind of reasonable to assume that there should be a lot fewer people in pain, but in reality it’s not so.

Also, there seems to be almost an epidemic of chronic pain going about.

Quite a few people suffer pain each and every day, for many different reasons.

Chronic pain is becoming a big part of life for lots of individuals and it is being taken for granted, with an assumption that there is nothing that can be done about it, especially it seems in pain management for older adults.

For many people that are getting a bit older, their whole day every day is based around the limitations to their lives caused by their pain.

Understand that I am not giving you medical advice here, that is for your doctor to sit down and talk to you about.

I am hoping that this article can help sufferers understand that natural options for pain relief are out there.

Some are as good as the stuff that you can get over the counter, but without the side effects.

Not all pain relief is medicinal.

Numerous therapies are available which people may not have considered that could deliver relief without damaging their health further.

It’s remarkable how the three lifestyle components of health and wellbeing, which are diet, exercise and sleep, can play such a big part in pain management both in its relief and cure.

Peppermint Oil

It can also be used for relief from tension headaches and muscle aches.

Flaxseed Oil

It contains omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats, which are beneficial for overall health, but particularly effective in reducing inflammation.

Anecdotal evidence claims it could ease the symptoms of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Alternative Herbal Remedies for Natural Pain Relief

Whether we like it or not, everyday pain is a fact of life, and pain relief is a very lucrative business, for the pharmaceuticals companies.

For a lot of minor aches, such as headache, stomach ache, toothache, and muscle pain, you probably turn to many of the over the counter medicines.

Ibuprofen, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may seem like a gift from above with their being able to provide a speedy, albeit temporary, pain relief.

But, what most people are not aware of (or don’t really pay all that much attention to) is that long-term use of such drugs to ease your pain can have an adverse effect on your health, predominantly to your liver and the lining of your gut.

So instead of reaching for a bottle of pills every time you feel something painful going on in your body, there are alternative remedies that could provide natural pain relief that you might want to give a try.

Let’s check some of them out:

Turmeric

If you’re a fan of Asian food, especially Thai or Indian cuisine, then chances are you are familiar with turmeric.

Apart from making these foods flavorful, turmeric is known to be an effective remedy to pain.

It contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you suffer from indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, psoriasis, and even cancer, incorporating turmeric in your diet or taking turmeric supplements could possibly help improve your pain.

You can make a turmeric juice with lemon or hot tea, warm soup with turmeric, or egg dishes with a pinch of turmeric.

Or even add it to a glass of warm milk at bedtime.

Ginger

Ginger is a remedy that is more than likely found in most kitchens, either in the form of ginger root, powdered ginger, or ginger juice.

Studies have shown that it can be just as effective as synthetic drugs in treating inflammation.

With active ingredients in ginger such as gingerols and shogaol, this herbal remedy been used for many years to ease pain such as upset stomach, nausea, menstrual pain, migraines, and arthritis.

In addition to its normal cooking uses, you can add ginger to your vegetable smoothies, hot or iced tea, lemonade, stir-fries and cereals.

Oregano

Oregano is commonly used in cooking, as well as in treating a cough.

However, it has been found to be an effective anti-inflammatory and pain relief for various conditions.

Oregano is known to contain many anti-inflammatory compounds.

If you are suffering from issues such as: arthritis, sore muscles, back pain, neck pain, or cramps, oregano can help to provide you with some relief.

You can apply oregano oil directly to the affected area, or you can mix dried oregano with other herbs to make a tea.

Cloves

Cloves are aromatic flower buds that have been proven to be an effective pain remedy.

They are usually used as spices for food.

They have compounds that can help ease sores, like toothache, headaches, and arthritis.

Nowadays, you can get cloves in capsule, powder, or oil form.

White Willow Bark

White willow bark has been used as an analgesic for many hundreds of years.

It contains a compound called salicin, which is a chemical that is similar to what aspirin is mainly made of.

The salicin in the willow bark converts to salicylic acid. And there are some people who believe that this makes it gentler on your stomach than common lab made aspirin

It also contains apigenin, another anti-inflammatory.

White willow bark is said to help ease back pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches, among other conditions.

Be aware to not use it for the long term, because it can irritate your stomach and affect your liver.

And having too much has been said to cause stomach cramping and bleeding.

Back in the day our ancestors used to chew the bark as it is, but today, you can get willow bark herbs that you can brew as tea.

Liquid and capsule willow bark supplements are also now available.

Devil’s Claw

Devil’s claw is herb that is originally a native of Southern Africa.

It contains active ingredients called harpagide and harpagoside, which provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

It has been used for a long time to relieve muscle pain, low back pain, arthritis, chest pain, rheumatism, migraine, upset stomach, and even skin injuries.

Devil’s claw is available in tincture form, as well as tea. You can also take the extract.

What You Need to ​be Aware of:

Over the counter prescription medicines and drugs can be effective in providing pain relief.

Particularly if you follow the correct dosage and your doctor’s instructions.

Nonetheless, long-term use of them can lead to other issues, which is why people tend to consider natural alternatives.

Since they are natural, herbal remedies have no harmful chemicals that can make your condition worse.

They are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which can give you other health benefits aside from pain relief.

But be aware that this does not mean all natural remedies come without side effects.

Even the known actions may adversely affect other conditions you have, or other medications you may be taking.

You still have to be very careful when taking herbal remedies, especially if you are pregnant, prone to bleeding, or have any other serious health conditions.

How to Reduce Painful Inflammation

Inflammation, which is also commonly referred to as swelling, is our body’s natural reaction to an injury or illness.

It helps with the bodies healing process and protects you from infection and further harm.

On the other hand, this is a much generalized defensive response, and sometimes its occurrence doesn’t help, and it can end up causing even more problems.

The body can trigger inflammation, like at times when you are experiencing stress, or you don’t eat the right food or get exercise for long periods of time.

When left undealt with, a simple inflammation can itself become chronic and end up doing some damage to the body.

This can contribute or lead to more serious health problems, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

Eat Healthy Foods

What you eat can have a great effect on inflammation, often more than most people realize.

There are some foods can initiate or worsen inflammation, while on the other hand others have proven to be anti-inflammatory.

The worst culprits are the highly processed foods, especially those containing Trans fats and loads of sugar.

A few of the foods that you should be eating are fruits and vegetables, omega-3-rich fishes such as salmon and tuna, walnuts, soybeans, and green tea.

Steer clear of an excessive intake of carbohydrate-rich foods, such as white rice, white bread, and pasta, which can lead to having high blood sugar.

Opt for whole grain and a fiber rich diet instead.

Foods that are found to be rich in essential nutrients can reduce inflammation.

A thing to remember is that the effects of both types are cumulative.

What I mean is that in most cases, an occasional serving of the bad group won’t devastate your health.

But on the other hand, by just having an occasional dish of the good foods, it won’t fix the effects of a regular diet of bad food choices.

Try to make good nutritious food the basis of your diet, every day.

Exercise

Some physical activity can also help to reduce painful inflammation.

Look, it doesn’t have to be a gym busting extreme workout, because even light exercises are good enough to trigger the anti-inflammatory response of the body.

What happens is, exercise stimulates the immune system, it supports weight loss, and makes the heart, muscles, and bones that much stronger.

Plus it also helps to keep the joints lubricated.

You can achieve this with brisk walking, aerobics, stretching, weight lifting or band resistance, or even doing the housework or gardening.

Swimming or some other form of aquatic exercise can provide great low-impact health benefits.

If you can afford it you could also work with a physical therapist or personal trainer to design the right workout for you.

Lose Weight

People who are carrying around those few extra pounds are far more prone to inflammation, so losing weight can help reduce it.

The reason for this is, as you carry more weight there’s more pressure applied to your joints, making them work harder than necessary and so increasing inflammation.

You can start to shift this weight by beginning a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

There is a strong connection between being overweight and experiencing pain from debilitating conditions such as fibromyalgia.

So making healthy changes to your diet can have positive affects all round.

Try to Avoid and Manage Stress Levels

The body has a mechanism of trying to heal stress with inflammation, but when the stress becomes chronic, inflammation will make the effects worse.

When you are stressed all the time, the body does not resolve to a natural state where inflammation reduces.

For the sake of your health, it is best to avoid stressors whenever it is possible.

Most of the time I can appreciate that this may not be an option, so it is essential to learn effective ways to try to manage your stress.

You can take up guided meditation to calm your mind and body, or do yoga and tai chi, which are meditative exercises.

Acupuncture is also known to help reduce anxiety levels, though you have to make sure it is a qualified expert that is sticking those little needles in you.

All these can reduce your body’s stress response, which can in turn help heal inflammation.

Have Some Massage Therapy

Having a massage can help reduce painful inflammation as it can improve blood flow and muscle stiffness in the affected area.

A massage can also help to release toxins from the body, which maybe causing the inflammation.

This is why massage therapy has been widely used as a complementary treatment to ease pain and promote faster recovery from injuries.

Get Enough Sleep

Making sure you get enough sleep can help to decrease inflammation and allow the body to heal.

While sleeping, the body is able to restore damaged cells.

It also improves metabolism and strengthens our immune system.

Sleep deprivation and can simply trash your immune system and circadian rhythm, which can then contribute to the increase in inflammation.

It is important to get around seven to eight hours of quality sleep every night.

There are people who may require more sleep than that, so use the seven to eight hours as a guideline and work out how much you really need.

Quick Recap

Inflammation is a normal component of our body’s healing system, which attempts to protect us from further harm and potential infection.

But, if a condition ends up becoming chronic, and you don’t get the right amounts of nutrients from your diet, your body produces inflammation that can make health problems worsen.

The above tips can help to effectively reduce inflammation in your body, and improve your overall health condition.

But always remember, when you are suffering from serious health problems, it is best to consult with your doctor first so that you will be assured that your actions will help reduce painful inflammation rather than make it worse.

Pain Management Exercises for Older Adults

There are many reasons that people who are getting older experience physical pain.

It could be due to an accident, trauma, or chronic illness.

It can also come about from over exertion, especially if the task is something more than the body is currently used to performing.

Many people cut down on their physical activity and range of motion as they start to get a bit older, and physical effort can cause discomfort or pain.

Most of us, regardless of our age, want to be as independent as we can be.

But this may prove to be difficult for older adults, especially those who are in pain.

Older people run a higher than average risk of experiencing side effects from all kinds of drugs.

These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.

These medicines are not recommended for people with liver, kidney, and heart issues, which are generally becoming more common problems for the average older person.

There are also certain drugs that can interact with the medications that an older adult is already on.

But all that aside, this does not mean that certain pain cannot be managed.

Aside from taking prescription drugs, engaging in pain management exercises could also give the older adult that bit of extra relief they need.

Preventive Physical Activity

Taking part in regular physical activities is a proven approach to managing chronic pain and is commonly recommended as a complementary treatment to medical management by taking drugs.

This is especially so for treating and preventing pain among those of us who are getting a bit older.

Though preventive physical activities may be important, older adults who are suffering from chronic pain won’t always be in the mood to do a bit of exercise.

It gets kind of hard to be motivated enough to engage in physical effort when even the thought of it causes some pain.

However, by putting it off when it is required might only worsen the problem in the future, so it is important to recognize that a little discomfort today can provide that needed relief tomorrow.

Try looking at it this way, think like an athlete, “a bit of short term pain for some long term gain!”

And it doesn’t need to be all hard gym like workouts, there are a few gentle exercises to improve health and lessen the ongoing pain.

Walking

People who suffer from various forms of chronic pain can sometimes improve their condition by walking at least half an hour, three to five times a week.

Those living with chronic pain might feel that excess moving will only worsen their pain, but that’s not always the case.

Researchers say that by incorporating gentle exercises like walking into our daily regime; can help reduce pain by improving the stability of the joints, boosting the body’s natural opioid production, and cutting down stress levels.

An exercise such as walking can help to strengthen the muscles that aid in the stabilization of joints.

It helps to lubricate the cartilage, which depends on nutrition from movement, since it doesn’t have a blood supply.

Walking encourages the flow of joint fluid, which then distributes nutrients to the cartilage.

Walking can also increase the body’s manufacture of natural opioids, which helps to decrease pain but without having to worry about the risk of addiction.

It also aids in the relief of stress, which is a known contributing factor to becoming more sensitive to pain.

Stretching

Stretching is often one of those overlooked activities when it comes to managing chronic pain.

It not only helps to reduce pain, it also helps the body become more flexible and mobile.

Performing it correctly and on a regular basis can help reduce stiffness and increase the range of motion.

It also helps improve the blood circulation to the joints and muscles.

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The content on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. We do NOT give medical advice. You must consult your doctor or medical practitioner for any medical advice, treatment or diagnosis that you require.